Well, here we are heading into the final week of the WHL's 2010-2011 regular season.The Lethbridge Hurricanes have three game remaining and trail the Prince Albert Raiders by two points for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. A lot has to happen in the next six days in order for the Hurricanes to secure a playoff position. No doubt their backs are up against the wall. The Canes' play in Edmonton Tuesday and then close out the regular season with back-to-back games against the Kootenay ICE on the weekend. As Associate Matt Kabayama said on the CJOC post-game show on Saturday, Tuesday's game against the Oil Kings "is a must-win game" for this team. In fact, I think the final three are must-wins. The Raiders kind of hold the cards in this playoff race. Even winning the final three games for Lethbridge doesn't guarantee the Hurricanes that final playoff spot. If the Raiders happen to win their last three games, they will automatically earn 8th place in the East and meet up with Saskatoon in the opening round of playoffs. Prince Albert will finish with Calgary and back-to-back versus Swift Current on the weekend.
In these final three games, the Hurricanes must find a way to get a jump on the opposition. Slow starts have been a real issue for Lethbridge the past six weeks. The Canes' are fighting for their playoff lives and have to come into these last three with a serious sense of urgency from the drop of the puck to the final buzzer.
HURRICANES THIS WEEK
Our second-last radio show of this WHL season goes tonight on CJOC. We hope to have Cam Braes join for a short chat off the top of the program. After that, Fred and I will be joined by the Commissioner of the Western Hockey League, Ron Robison. Lots to take about with Ron, including the much-talked about possible relocation of the Chilliwack Bruins to Victoria among other things. In the final 15 minutes or so, we will open the phone lines to get some fan feedback on this season for the Hurricanes. The phone number is 403-388-4646. The show start at 6:00 pm (MDT). Out final show is set for next Monday (Mar. 21).
Thanks,
Pat
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Interesting what WHL Commissioner Ron Robison said regarding the number one priority in selecting a site for the 2013 Memorial Cup. That the strength of the bidding team was of utmost importance. Reading between the lines, was that directed at Lethbridge's bid? Because we all know that as of right now they are not poised to be one of the top contenders next year, and unless there is a huge improvement next season (11-12), with them looking stronger for the following season (12-13), that they will not get the bid.
ReplyDeleteTM
Agree with TM and his observations about the Commissioner's point that the strength of the bidding team was of outmost importance.....I took it that it was a direct reference to the Hurricanes......
ReplyDeleteAlso found Fred Jack's reference to draft picks of interest....a team having many high picks does not mean diddly unless THEY ARE DEVELOPED and grow during the season......have the young players on our current team improved and developed during the year???
Wouldn't it be interesting to have Fred Jack give his analysis of why the Canes had such a poor and disappointing season.......Guess it couldn't be printed here.
ReplyDeleteActually, Fred's given his analysis. Listen to the broadcasts. He's often cited the team's lack of discipline, and on the "this Week" program, he's talked about the lack of development of several players.
ReplyDeleteAnd everyone has mentioned that this team needs to win with intelligence and hard work. And, since they're not winning . . .
I look at the canes progress this year and not sure that you cna say anyone really progressed, what will change next year? the young picks need leadership from the top as well as the veterans and thsi seems to be really lacking on this team. R.S.
ReplyDelete11:44----reading between the lines of 10:45, the person is likely trying to suggest that Fred Jack has many more thoughts of the Canes demise than perhaps he feels he can air publicly. Jack knows his hockey, is very fluent, and is an excellent side-kick for Pat.
ReplyDelete